MCRUD is the Michigan Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking. 

MCRUD is a program of Prevention Network.  Prevention Network is administered by Prevention Michigan Inc., with funding provided through the Michigan Department of Community Health/ Office of Drug Control Policy - Prevention Section, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Federal Block Grant, and Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning.

MCRUD HISTORY

The state wide Coalition was first called together in 1996 to discuss Michigan’s interest in applying for a grant made available from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. This grant was for states which either were forming or had existing statewide coalitions working to address the issue of underage alcohol use.

Although Michigan was not chosen as a state to receive funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the members of the coalition who had participated in the application process continued to meet monthly to pursue the goals identified for the application. From the beginning, the coalition believed that more could be accomplished working together to address underage drinking in Michigan. As a group, the coalition worked to support local and regional activities and emphasized youth involvement.

When funding for the Coalition and its activities was secured from agencies within Michigan, MCRUD was on its way. The funding was made available by the Michigan State Police, Office of Highway Safety Planning and the Michigan Department of Community Health, Bureau of Substance Abuse Services and Office of Drug Control Policy. These agencies were all members of the original coalition.

To date, MCRUD has provided funding to twenty-three (23) local groups that have identified themselves as "Regional MCRUD Coalitions."  In addition, over $400,000 has been awarded to local and regional groups in grants to fund local underage drinking prevention activities and initiatives.  Prevention Network staff  and MCRUD Steering Committee members have invested hundreds of hours providing training and technical assistance to community groups throughout the state.

MCRUD does NOT accept funds or in-kind donations or services from the alcohol industry, including producers, distributors, retailers, or trade groups of the alcohol industry.  Please see our policy on this issue for more information.

MCRUD's goals include